While catching bait on Lavon last week we ended up catching some crappie that were quite a bit different in size. I took a few pics before throwing them back. I just wonder if this reflects different growth rates or what?

A crappie that is probably about what I'd expect for November.


A similar sized sandbass for comparison.


A ~1 inch and a ~2 inch crappie which seemed unusually small.


I didn't get a good pic, but I caught a big gizzard shad while bait fishing with a threadfin shad on the same day.

Fall Spawn?

The million dollar question fellas, it has been so much debate on crappie holding and laying eggs later and at different times....well the proof is in the lake!

Last winter was exceptionally cold. The spring spawn lasted several months and usually does. The two different sizes indicate fish spawned early and late in the spring. I've caught crappie spawning in late Feb thru early May in the same lake, same year. Those crappie indicate a normal growth rate for this past spring spawn.

Good read thanks fellas

I have been noticing the same thing on cedar creek. I keep a brim trap on my dock.I am still catching small
black bass sandbass and crappie 1.5 to 3 inches long .lots of 4to6 inchchannel cats. More fun than
biology class.

Crappie are yearlings for a few years where they grow to 3-5 inches long. This is usually about three years for them to reach maturity. You will find the yearlings in shallow water for sure.Thanks for the pics! Cool!

I think the 2 fish in the last pic are baby sandbass.